Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia to reinforce a recent peace deal, aimed at reducing tensions in the region. Ethiopian ambitions for access to the sea created historical grievances, exacerbated by Ethiopia’s deal with Somaliland. Despite progress, unresolved issues linger, with Egypt and Eritrea forming a regional alliance to address shared concerns regarding Ethiopia’s aspirations.
On Saturday, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Ethiopia, emphasizing ongoing efforts towards peace amidst historical tensions between the two neighboring nations. The visit aims to reinforce a recent peace agreement signed in Ankara, facilitated by Turkiye, which seeks to alleviate the grievances brought about by Ethiopia’s previous deal with Somaliland. The peace initiative underscores a significant shift in bilateral relations, with both nations acknowledging the need for collaboration and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Despite the progress, several issues remain unresolved. Concerns surround Ethiopia’s aspirations for maritime access, despite Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s assertion that the recent deal could provide such access. Moreover, the status of Ethiopia’s agreement with Somaliland continues to cloud relations. Tensions were further highlighted in Cairo, where Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi met with counterparts from Egypt and Eritrea, both nations showing solidarity in opposing Ethiopia’s ambitions regarding the Red Sea. This reflects a new regional alliance focusing on shared security concerns, as articulated by Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who emphasized the sovereignty of coastal nations in the region.
The history of Somalia-Ethiopia relations is fraught with tension, primarily stemming from territorial disputes and differing political agendas. The security dynamics in the Horn of Africa have been complicated by Ethiopia’s emerging maritime interests, which pose potential threats to Somalia’s sovereignty. A peace agreement mediated by Turkiye marks a pivotal moment in diplomatic relations, representing optimism for enhanced cooperation and stability. Nonetheless, regional alliances are also shifting, indicating ongoing ambiguities, particularly regarding Ethiopia’s relationship with Somaliland, which claims independence and has implications for regional security.
In conclusion, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s visit to Ethiopia signifies a crucial step towards renewed diplomatic relations aimed at fostering peace and collaboration in the Horn of Africa. However, persistent uncertainties regarding Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions and its interactions with Somaliland present significant challenges. The burgeoning alliance between Somalia, Egypt, and Eritrea further complicates the geopolitical landscape, necessitating careful navigation of these evolving dynamics in pursuit of regional stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
